Business Barometer

July 1 to Aug. 5

Office Administration Certification: to prepare students for a second career in professional offices. Includes a two-week internship in local business. 9 a.m. to noon. $295 with some partial scholarships available for students over the age of 50. Call ENMU-Ruidoso Community Education for more info or to register.

July 2

Starting Your Business: Session 1: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at SBDC at NMSU-Alamogordo. This is the first class in a series of 3 sessions. We recommend that all 3 modules be taken in the same month or within a few months. The information provided in this session teaches what entrepreneurship is and what risks are involved. Learn the process of determining if an idea is feasible and learn about financing options. Free. July 7 and 8

Operation Boots to Business-Day: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at SBDC at NMSU-Alamogordo. A two-day workshop for transitioning service members and veterans to explore the option of self-employment. Participants will create a Feasibility Analysis Deliverable that will serve as the basis for future business planning efforts. This workshop is being offered to active duty service members only and their spouses who are interested in starting a business. Call 575-439-3660 for info.

July 9

Starting Your Business: Session 2: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at SBDC at NMSU-Alamogordo. This is the second class in a series of 3 sessions. In this session, you will start the process of transforming your business idea into an action plan. Further discussion will be on evaluating your competition, developing an operating plan and hiring and managing employees. Free.

July 14

Alcohol Server class: Required class for any lessee or server who manages, directs or controls the sale or service of alcohol must have a license. This class meets all requirements. Participants must be at least 19 years old and have a valid photo id. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $40. Call 257-3012 to register.

July 16

Starting Your Business: Session 3: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at SBDC at NMSU-Alamogordo. This is the third class in a series of 3 sessions. We recommend that you take all 3 modules, in the same month or within a few months. In this session, you will learn the essentials of marketing and how to set up a marketing plan as well as the registration process. Further topics will include understanding the numbers, developing sales targets and a sales strategy and establishing business goals. Free.

Aug. 11

Alcohol Server: Required class for any lessee or server who manages, directs or controls the sale or service of alcohol must have a license. This class meets all requirements. Participants must be at least 19 years old and have a valid photo id. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $40. Call 257-3012 to register.

Ongoing

The New Mexico Workforce Connection: This resource provides a partnership between businesses and the public workforce system. The Ruidoso office is located at 201 White Mountain Drive. For more information call 575-258-1730.

Creative Aging Advisory Committee meets on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Room 109 at ENMU-Ruidoso. The goal of the group is to raise awareness of the resources available to the growing demographic of retirees and seniors. Free.